Category: signs miracles and wonders

To Spite the LORD! #6

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments” (Exodus 7:11 KJV).

Is it really wise for us to spite the LORD? In the grand scheme of things, will He or we lose?

The Book of Exodus opens with an extremely intense spiritual battle Satan is waging with the LORD God. It is a complex conflict, abounding with vindictiveness and counterfeits at the beginning, but moving closer and closer to war’s end both the victor and the loser become clearer and clearer to us. There was spite and an imitation might, but only one won in that day and only that one was right. Thousands of years later after this situation, we even now can make a simple application.

If we wish to waste our time and energy being dead in our trespasses and sins, refusing (as lost people) to trust the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour (the Gospel of the Grace of God of 1 Corinthians 15:3,4), or (as Christians) rejecting His life as manifested through grace principles (Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon), we have on both counts been given liberty (freedom to choose). Overall, though, it is we who will lose, for we are contributing to our own misery, confusion, dissatisfaction, and spiritual loss.

Indeed, we can copy the life of Christ, but only so far—until reality hits us that we have aligned with fakery. Yea, we can fool ourselves into believing we are invincible, self-sufficient, our own authority, our own god. We can pretend like our false theological system is correct, our “scholarship” is beyond all doubt, and our religious leaders would never lie to us; but we would be just as mistaken as the Egyptians were in Moses’ day. Echoing Pharaoh of old, we can request “one more night with the frogs,” too stubborn to humble ourselves before LORD and too eager to remain in our pathetic lot. The blame falls squarely on us, and us alone.

“Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?” (1 Samuel 6:6).

To Spite the LORD! #5

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments” (Exodus 7:11 KJV).

Is it really wise for us to spite the LORD? In the grand scheme of things, will He or we lose?

Although the magicians of Egypt twice copied the LORD with the transformation of a rod into a snake, the LORD’S rod ate the magicians’ rods (Exodus 7:10-12). Once the first plague fell because of the LORD, the magicians were able to duplicate it but not reverse it (change the blood back into water); moreover, when their people required potable water, the magicians could not provide (Exodus 7:19-25)! By the time the second plague arrived, the magicians could also produce frogs but could not remove them; only the LORD could take them away (Exodus 8:5-15)!

As touching the third pestilence, the magicians could not copy the lice, but they did admit it was God’s work that could not be overcome (Exodus 8:16-19). According to the record of Scripture, from henceforth, the magicians made no more attempts to intervene—unable to counterfeit and still powerless to reverse anything. They do not appear in the case of flies the fourth judgment (Exodus 8:20-32), or the murrain or infectious disease the fifth punishment (Exodus 9:1-7). Now, the LORD God begins sparing Israel and judges Egypt only (Exodus 9:4). Again, the magicians cannot re-direct the punishment from their own people toward Israel.

With the sixth plague, the magicians show up in the Scriptures: they too are suffering from the blains, boils, or blisters, and cannot stand before Moses (Exodus 9:8-12). Some Egyptians are actually beginning to heed the LORD through Moses at this point (Exodus 9:20). The seventh judgment is hail and fire, reserved for Egyptians and their crops, whereas Israel is safe (Exodus 9:18-26). No magicians could help Pharaoh here either (Exodus 9:27-35)! With the locusts, the eighth plague, only the LORD could take them away (Exodus 10:12-20). By the time of the ninth judgment, the darkness that could be felt, Egypt was afflicted while Israel had light (Exodus 10:21-23). Once God struck Egypt with the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn, the magicians could raise no one from the dead (Exodus 12:29,30).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

To Spite the LORD! #4

Monday, February 26, 2024

“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments” (Exodus 7:11 KJV).

Is it really wise for us to spite the LORD? In the grand scheme of things, will He or we lose?

God’s second judgment on Egypt: “And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt” (Exodus 8:5-7). As with the rods transformed into serpents, and the first plague (blood turned into water), the magicians of Egypt imitated the LORD. Think of all those disgusting frogs overrunning the land (verses 8-14)!

Now, watch carefully as touching the third pestilence: “And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt. And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast” (Exodus 8:16-18). “But they could not!” Verse 19 is especially astounding: “Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.” Perhaps Pharaoh executed these men because of their “blasphemous” admission!

The magicians of Egypt also could not duplicate plagues four through 10—flies, murrain (infectious disease), blains (blisters or boils), hail and fire, locusts, darkness, and death of the firstborn (chapters 8–12). In fact, “And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians” (Exodus 9:11). Egypt’s religious leaders are unable to save it from the LORD’S unmitigated fury….

To Spite the LORD! #3

Sunday, February 25, 2024

“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments” (Exodus 7:11 KJV).

Is it really wise for us to spite the LORD? In the grand scheme of things, will He or we lose?

Egypt’s magicians used occultic (satanic) power to prove they could match the LORD God. “See, Moses and Aaron, our deities are equally mighty. Whatever your ‘God’ can do, they can do and even outdo!” This is actually not as clever as it first appears. For example, re-read Exodus 7:10-12 (today’s Scripture): “And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.”

Initially, it really looked like the God of Israel was inferior to whatever or whomever Egypt was worshipping. At least two snakes were produced to contend with the LORD’S solitary serpent. However, the LORD’S rod ate the Egyptians’ rods—but Pharaoh and his servants were unimpressed, so Israel was not freed. Once the first plague was meted out, Egypt’s bodies of water—streams, rivers, ponds, pools, and so on—were blood. Water, especially the Nile River (Egypt’s primary water source), had been worshipped as a god. Now, it was contaminated because of the LORD God.

“And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also. And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river” (Exodus 7:21-24).

The magicians added to their people’s misery with water so filthy and odors so foul….

To Spite the LORD! #2

Saturday, February 24, 2024

“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments” (Exodus 7:11 KJV).

Is it really wise for us to spite the LORD? In the grand scheme of things, will He or we lose?

Pharaoh and the other Egyptians viewed themselves as superior to the Israelites. After all, the Jews were their slaves, and Pharaoh himself was believed to be the Egyptian god Horus reincarnated in human flesh. Who were Moses and Aaron compared to this mighty king of Egypt? Who was this “LORD God of Israel” who challenged his authority? With a heart lifted up with pride, the king of Egypt was not the least bit intimidated. “As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?” (Exodus 9:17). “And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day” (Nehemiah 9:10).

The king of Egypt and his magicians were drawing on Satan’s power (see today’s Scripture). Since they had given themselves over to the Devil, to do his work and entertain his thoughts, they were not about to hearken to the LORD God who was confronting them through Moses and Aaron. These Egyptian magicians were never identified in the Book of Exodus, but, as per the biblical principle of subsequent narrative, the Holy Spirit reveals their names through Paul: “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was” (2 Timothy 3:8,9).

In short, the ministry of Pharaoh’s magicians consisted of nothing more than counterfeiting the LORD’S work (re-read Exodus 7:10-12,19-22; Exodus 8:5-7). Actually, whereas Aaron’s rod resulted in one snake, the magicians seemed to outdo him by producing two! It appeared as though the LORD God was less than powerful than the gods of Egypt, right? The magicians copied the LORD, but they were still limited.

By “spiting the LORD,” they were inflicting injury only upon themselves….

To Spite the LORD! #1

Friday, February 23, 2024

“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments” (Exodus 7:11 KJV).

Is it really wise for us to spite the LORD? In the grand scheme of things, will He or we lose?

The LORD God endowed Moses with miracle-working power: “And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods” (Exodus 7:10-12).

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments:…” (Exodus 7:19-22).

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt” (Exodus 8:5-7).

Imagine these revolting circumstances….

Palsy #7

Friday, October 20, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

Once Christ pronounced the man forgiven of his sins, unbelieving Israel regarded it as blasphemy (speaking against, talking evil about, disrespecting God). “This man blasphemeth” (Matthew 9:3). “Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?” (Mark 2:7). “Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” (Luke 5:21). Such reactions proved they really had no concept of Messiah or His purpose. Consequently, He demonstrated He could forgive sins. Before their very eyes, He restored the paralytic to health—and they could not deny it! As it was stated at His incarnation, “…[T]hou shalt call his name JESUS [‘JEHOVAH-Saviour’]: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:25).

The other paralytic the Lord Jesus healed was the servant of a (Gentile) Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). Here, the Lord showed He had the Gentiles in mind during His earthly ministry. He aimed to convert Israel so that He could then reach those Gentiles through redeemed Israel. Unfortunately, while the Gentiles were willing to accept and believe Messiah, Israel was not!

Regarding the Apostle Peter healing paralytic Aeneas in Acts 9:32-35, this miracle was performed in conjunction with the start of Paul’s ministry earlier in the chapter. Though Paul’s Gentile apostleship is in effect, it will not go on forever. At some point, our mystery program will close so God can continue the prophetic program and raise Israel to kingdom glory (as symbolized with Aeneas). Aeneas had suffered palsy eight years. Eight in Scripture is the number of new beginnings (seven signifying perfection or completion). When Messiah Jesus comes back, Israel’s national spiritual palsy will be cured (Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23).

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice [be of good cheer!] for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy” (Isaiah 65:17,18).

Palsy #6

Thursday, October 19, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

Jesus’ healing miracles were intended to validate, authenticate, or substantiate the Gospel of the Kingdom He was preaching: “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert” (Isaiah 35:4-6). See how this compares to Matthew 11:1-6 and Luke 7:18-23.

In the case of paralytics—such as Matthew 9:6 (cf. Mark 2:10,11; Luke 5:24)—Christ was proving He could restore Israel to spiritual mobility by correcting (forgiving) their sin problem. Though disabled, by His power they would (and will) walk in His statutes under the New Covenant, serving as His earthly people throughout the endless ages to come (Ezekiel 11:19,20; Ezekiel 36:26,27). In Matthew 9:6 (cf. Mark 2:10,11; Luke 5:24), Jesus’ title is “the Son of man,” which not only underscores His humanity but also His earthly authority. He has the right to reign in the Earth for God’s glory (what Adam failed to do in Genesis chapter 3!).

Observe Daniel 7:13,14: “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

Yet, during His earthly ministry, Israel doubted Jesus really was whom He claimed to be….

Palsy #5

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

Sin separates the sinner from God. It is a barrier that needs to be overcome, a chasm that must be bridged, a problem that needs to be corrected, a disease that must be cured. However, the sinner is utterly helpless to resolve the situation—though he tries to deny it, diminish it, or manage it, it still remains. This is true on an individual level and a national level. As touching the nation Israel, the New Covenant serves a two-fold purpose. Firstly, God in His grace will deal with Israel’s sins committed under the Old Covenant (Law of Moses). Secondly, He will redeem, bless, and enable Israel to cause her people to do His will in the Earth.

Observe Jeremiah 31:31-34, noticing verse 34 in particular: “[31] Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: [32] Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: [33] But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. [34] And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

This is the forgiveness associated with the paralytic “son” or “man” of Matthew 9:2, Mark 2:5, and Luke 5:20….

Palsy #4

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What exactly is “palsy?” Why does the Bible feature it?

“Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2). “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5). “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee” (Luke 5:20). This healing of the paralytic is performed in conjunction with the forgiveness of sins of a certain “son” or a “man.” Who does this cured person represent?

If we are Bible students, this title “son” should remind us of verses such as Exodus 4:22,23: “And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.” Also, Hosea 11:1: “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” Israel is God’s son-nation in the Earth. As a son works with his father in the family business, so Israel was to accomplish God’s will in the Earth.

Alas, like all descendants of Adam, the Israelites had a sin problem—a sin problem that spiritually incapacitated them. Sin is a spiritual disease: it disables the spiritual body just like physical disease immobilizes the physical body. How can they possibly serve Him in the Earth? This is the lesson to be learned with the healing of the paralytics in the Bible. If Israel is to function as God’s kingdom of priests in the Earth, He must address their spiritual infirmity. Like the man afflicted with physical palsy, they are spiritually bedridden, for spiritual palsy has stricken them! They can do nothing for Him, and they are just as powerless to do anything for themselves.

Like Pharaoh kept Israel in bondage, so sin enslaves them. In both cases, the LORD must intervene to liberate them. Christ healing the man sick of the palsy (paralytic) represents God’s restoring Israel to service (spiritual mobility)….